Racing 92 deny reports of shock Owen Farrell switch from Saracens

Racing 92 have denied a report in France that Owen Farrell will be leaving Saracens for the Top 14 club in the summer, but in a carefully worded statement did not refute that talks with the England fly-half were taking place.

At around 4.30pm on Friday the respected French news website Midi Olympique dropped a bombshell suggesting the Saracens captain would be crossing the Channel on a two-year deal to join South Africa’s World Cup-winning captain, Siya Kolisi, as well as England teammate Henry Arundell, in the French capital.

However, Racing 92, currently top of the French league and now under the stewardship of the former England coach Stuart Lancaster, then issued a response saying no agreement existed. Saracens have so far refused to comment.

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“Racing 92 is regularly under the aegis of numerous speculations concerning movements within its workforce,” the club said on its website. “We are delighted with the appeal of our club Racing 92. However, we deny any agreement concerning the English player Owen Farrell.”

In December England’s highest-ever points scorer and second-most capped captain announced he would be taking a sabbatical from Test rugby to focus on his mental health. Under the current agreement between the RFU and the Premiership, players operating abroad are ineligible for England selection.

Farrell has been with Saracens since 2008 when he made his debut as a 17-year-old. Four years later he made his international bow under Lancaster. Despite his record and world-class performances, he has been a much maligned figure and was booed by England fans at the World Cup last year.

“This is one of England’s greatest ever players, greatest ever captains,” England coach Steve Borthwick said this week. “Any team in the world would miss Owen Farrell.”

If he were to leave, Farrell would be the most high-profile player to swap the Premiership for the Top 14. Besides wing Arundell, who had a public training-pitch spat with Farrell at the World Cup, centre Joe Marchant, lock Dave Ribbans and flanker Jack Willis have recently settled in France.